Project Description
The building was constructed around 1910 as residential apartments. The structure was purportedly the first concrete and masonry residential building in DC. Sometime around the 1960s it was converted to an office building, an upgrade that added an elevator, retail base and modified the front entry lobby. Large bearing masonry chimneys that could not be removed without significant structural work hampered the interior layout. There was also a back courtyard that further reduced the usable space on the small lot (about 60’ x 60’). Through an approval by the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BZA), the court could be in-filled using 100% of the lot occupancy. The originally split ground floor level was brought to grade, and the balance of the area was used to add an 8th floor onto the roof.
The Arizona State University Foundation (ASUF) is the fund-raising entity for ASU. In 2002, President Michael Crow set out to transform ASU into a new model university thereby increasing its geographic foot print, fundraising capabilities, and position as a national University. In December 2013, ASUF purchased the building located at 1800 Eye Street to provide dedicated office, meeting, and event space in Washington, DC. CORE is leading the design for this full interior renovation that will maintain the historic facade on 18th and Eye Streets. The masonry façade with terra cotta detailing will be braced in place, while the outdated & inefficient interior is demolished. A new basement level will be excavated then a new concrete structure & building core will be replaced. A special exception permit was granted to build a modern addition onto the existing roof level with an outdoor terrace overlooking downtown. This level and the first floor lobby are designated for event space. Classrooms, office space, and conference rooms will primarily occupy floors two through seven.